We know weve been on a bit of a bacon kick lately. We suspect youre all pretty much okay with it. We learned something really horrible while writing our guide on how to cook bacon, our list of bacon mistakes we’ve all made, and our ode to all things wrapped in bacon: some of you are buying bacon that has already been cooked.
We get it—fully cooked, shelf-stable bacon that comes already packaged sounds great. It’s quick and easy, and there’s no mess to clean up. But at what cost? Here are eight of the best reasons we can think of to never buy bacon that’s already been cooked again. Advertisement.
There are times in life when you need to ask yourself, “what else would it be??”
7. You can eat it right out of the package, like unrefrigerated meat chips.
There’s no need to warm it up, says Tyson. You can eat it right out of the package in salads, sandwiches, main dishes, and more. ” No. No thank you. No.
Schwans says, “Our fully cooked bacon is perfect every time in 60 seconds, whether you like it really crispy or chewy and meaty.” That’s faster than the toast!” GUYS. Bacon is meat. Also, let’s be honest: bacon is great, healthy, and tasty, but it’s not meat. You shouldnt just be able to snack on it like popcorn. It should take some effort. Advertisement.
5. This is precooked bacons predecessor. Dont let these people win. (via Imgur)
Every major producer of precooked bacon lists these as the “curing ingredients. ” It just feels suspicious. If someone wont tell you what goes into making a product, we are wary of that product.
3. Because it leads to stuff like this being invented. Yeah, dont adjust your monitors, that is canned bacon. Bacon in a can. Congratulations, you guys. You did it. Advertisement.
2. Know what you cant do with precooked bacon? THIS. Yeah. (via Imgur)
1. When you eat precooked bacon, you are missing out on a vital part of the bacon experience. Bacon fat. Bacon fat is a valuable resource that shouldn’t be wasted without thought. We’ve said this before, and we’ll probably say it again. That big mason jar in the picture above is the key to perfectly braised greens, the tastiest cornbread you’ve ever had, and the best stewed beans you’ve ever had.
We don’t think so. Does bacon taste the same without the sizzle in the pan, the smell in the air, and the anticipation as it cooks? Isn’t instant gratification sometimes a missed opportunity? Were hoping we can convince you to agree.
Bacon is a popular breakfast food that many people cook ahead on weekends to reheat during busy mornings Pre-cooking bacon can save lots of time But is it safe to eat pre-cooked bacon cold straight from the fridge? Or does bacon always need to be reheated before eating?
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about the safety, storage and serving of pre-cooked bacon. Read on to learn if you can eat cold pre-cooked bacon and get tips for enjoying it while minimizing any risks.
Is It Safe to Eat Pre-Cooked Bacon Cold?
Pre-cooked bacon that has been properly handled and refrigerated can be safely eaten cold straight from the refrigerator. However, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
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Store bacon properly – Pre-cooked bacon should be refrigerated in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, Store for 3-4 days max
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Check for spoilage – Don’t eat pre-cooked bacon that smells bad, is slimy, or has mold. Discard if expired.
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Avoid cross-contamination – Use a clean fork or tongs to handle cooked bacon. Never reuse a plate or utensil that touched raw bacon.
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Reheat if not sure—If pre-cooked bacon has been in the fridge for more than 4 days or you’re not sure how to store it, heat it up to 165°F before eating.
If you follow the right refrigeration rules and check for signs of spoilage, you can eat pre-cooked bacon that has been stored for a short time straight from the fridge without having to reheat it.
Does Cold Bacon Taste Good?
While safe to eat, cold pre-cooked bacon may not have the most appetizing texture or flavor. Bacons’ taste and mouthfeel improve greatly when served warm and crispy.
Eating cold bacon straight from the fridge can result in a limp, rubbery texture. The fat may also solidify and taste waxy when cold.
So while chilled pre-cooked bacon is safe, for best results, consider warming it up before serving. This restores the bacon’s crispy, salty, savory taste that people love.
Tips for Serving Cold Pre-Cooked Bacon
If you don’t have time to reheat cold pre-cooked bacon before eating, here are some serving suggestions to improve the flavor and texture:
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Add to salads or sandwiches – Crumble cold bacon over greens, wraps, burgers, or sandwiches. This disguises the texture.
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Use in cold dishes – Try chopped bacon in pasta salads, potato salad, or atop baked potatoes. The other ingredients help balance the taste.
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Flavor other foods – Mix crumbled bacon into dips, omelets, quiches, or baked goods for a salty, smoky boost.
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Cook just a few slices – Rather than a whole batch, cook just enough bacon for a couple days to ensure freshness.
While cold bacon may never be quite as enjoyable as warm, crispy bacon, there are ways to incorporate it into meals and snacks in a tasty way.
How to Reheat Pre-Cooked Bacon
For best results, consider taking a couple minutes to reheat your pre-cooked bacon before eating. Here are simple reheating methods:
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On the stovetop – Place bacon slices in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until warmed through and slightly crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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In the oven – Arrange bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and sizzling.
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In the microwave – Place bacon between paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until steaming.
Always heat pre-cooked bacon to an internal temperature of 165°F or until hot to the touch. Warming up chilled bacon restores that signature crunchy texture and robust flavor that make bacon so craveable.
Storing Pre-Cooked Bacon
To safely enjoy pre-cooked bacon, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
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Allow cooked bacon to cool slightly, then transfer to an airtight container. Glass or plastic work best.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave bacon at room temperature.
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Store cooked bacon for 3-4 days maximum. Label the container with the date cooked.
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Freeze bacon for longer storage. It will keep for 1-2 months in the freezer.
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Discard bacon that is moldy, smells bad, or has an odd color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
Following food safety guidelines helps prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Store pre-cooked bacon in the fridge for no more than 3-4 days.
Is Pre-Cooked Bacon a Healthy Choice?
While undeniably tasty, bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase health risks when consumed in excess. The preservatives used to cure bacon may also be concerning for some people.
For a healthier choice, look for uncured bacons without added nitrites or nitrates, and opt for high-quality bacon from pasture-raised pigs when possible.
Pre-cooked bacon can be an convenient option, but should be eaten in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. For better nutrition, enjoy bacon alongside veggies or whole grains rather than solely on its own.
The Bottom Line
Pre-cooked bacon that has been properly stored can be safely eaten cold straight from the refrigerator. However, for best results, taking a minute to reheat bacon before eating improves the flavor and texture significantly.
When enjoying cold pre-cooked bacon, add it to salads, sandwiches and other dishes to disguise the taste and texture. Always refrigerate bacon within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days for food safety.
With proper handling and storage, pre-cooked bacon can be a tasty and time-saving kitchen staple. Just be mindful of health risks with too much bacon and enjoy it as an occasional treat.
For Our Partners
We know weve been on a bit of a bacon kick lately. We suspect youre all pretty much okay with it. We learned something really horrible while writing our guide on how to cook bacon, our list of bacon mistakes we’ve all made, and our ode to all things wrapped in bacon: some of you are buying bacon that has already been cooked.
We get it—fully cooked, shelf-stable bacon that comes already packaged sounds great. It’s quick and easy, and there’s no mess to clean up. But at what cost? Here are eight of the best reasons we can think of to never buy bacon that’s already been cooked again. Advertisement.
8. They have to assure you that it is 100% real bacon.
There are times in life when you need to ask yourself, “what else would it be??”
7. You can eat it right out of the package, like unrefrigerated meat chips.
Tyson says, “Warm it up if you like, or enjoy it straight from the package in sandwiches, salads, main dishes and more.” No. No thank you. No.
6. Its faster to prepare than toast.
Schwans says, “Whether you like it super crispy, or chewy and meaty, our fully-cooked bacon is perfect every time in 60 seconds. That’s faster than the toast!” GUYS. Bacon is meat. Meat SHOULD take longer to cook than toast! Also, lets just be honest with each other: bacon is glorious, fortifying and delicious, but one thing bacon is not — healthy. You shouldnt just be able to snack on it like popcorn. It should take some effort.Advertisement
5. This is precooked bacons predecessor. Dont let these people win. (via Imgur)
4. WHAT is in this stuff??
Every major producer of precooked bacon lists these as the “curing ingredients.” It just feels suspicious. If someone wont tell you what goes into making a product, we are wary of that product.
3. Because it leads to stuff like this being invented.
Yeah, dont adjust your monitors, that is canned bacon. Bacon in a can. Congratulations, you guys. You did it.Advertisement
2. Know what you cant do with precooked bacon? THIS. Yeah. (via Imgur)
1. When you eat precooked bacon, you are missing out on a vital part of the bacon experience. Bacon fat.
Weve harped on this before, and were likely to do it again, but bacon fat is a precious resource that shouldnt be discarded without consideration. That stout mason jar in the photo above is your ticket to perfectly braised greens, the best cornbread youve ever eaten and the best tasting stewed beans.
We don’t think so. Does bacon taste the same without the sizzle in the pan, the smell in the air, and the anticipation as it cooks? Isn’t instant gratification sometimes a missed opportunity? Were hoping we can convince you to agree.
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As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. Thats why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, well bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you cant find elsewhere. As things stand in politics right now, we take our job as reporters very seriously, and we appreciate your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Cant afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. Readers like you are very important to us because they help us keep our journalism free for everyone.
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How to Make Pre-Cooked Bacon | Family Savvy
Can you eat cooked bacon cold?
Cooked bacon is perfectly safe to eat cold as long as it has been stored correctly. This means that it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, or in the refrigerator for more than 4-5 days. Some people don’t enjoy the texture of cold bacon – it can lose its crispness and become chewier.
How long can you eat pre cooked bacon if unopened?
If your pre-cooked bacon has a “sell by” date, it can still be consumed up to a week after the date listed if the package is unopened and stored properly. However, once the package is opened, the bacon should be consumed within 4 to 7 days.
Does precooked Bacon need to be heated before cooking?
Contrary to popular belief, precooked bacon is not fully cooked and still needs to be heated before consumption to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Preparing the oven and baking sheet is the crucial first step in cooking pre-cooked bacon to perfection. To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you eat pre cooked bacon?
Taste: If you notice any off or unusual flavors when eating the pre-cooked bacon, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. It’s important to note that even if the pre-cooked bacon looks and smells fine, it may still be unsafe to eat if it has been stored improperly or handled incorrectly.